Brian’s Blog was created for all of his friends, family, fans, and community members who are cheering him on in his fight against leukemia. Brian graduated from HHS in May of this year. Many people know Brian due to his leadership, sportsmanship, and outstanding athletic achievements including three state championships in wrestling, a state football championship, state discus champion 2011 and varsity track and soccer teams. He had received a call to serve a full-time mission to Uruguay and was planning to start his mission at the end of the month. After completing his mission to Uruguay, Brian planned to play football at SUU where he has already received a full-ride scholarship. Brian was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) on Tuesday October 2nd. That very day he was taken to Salt Lake City for intensive inpatient care. He has been receiving chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and other treatments. We hope and pray that Brian will recover with the help of competent medical care. Doctors say that there is an 80% chance that Brian’s cancer will respond favorably to treatment. Thank you so much for your support. We will keep you updated regularly on Brian’s progress.

Update: On January 14, 2014, Brian passed away after a 15 1/2 month battle with leukemia. He was in remission following the first series of chemotherapy treatments for only 3 months, in spite of earlier optimism. Another harder hitting chemotherapy began in June with the intention of following with a bone marrow transplant but instead, alternative treatments in Colorado Springs and later Atlanta were chosen. Those also were unsuccessful, too little too late. In November he underwent yet more chemotherapy in Denver. The leukemia did not respond. Brian returned home to Southern Utah friends and family on December 12, 2013. Leukemia took his mortal life, but it can't touch his spirit.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Brian has been making progress each day in the ICU. Brian got the drain tube out from his surgery yesterday, and is doing well with breathing exercises. He is sleeping a lot better lately, making up for a month of little sleep, and bad sleep at that because the meds would give him nightmares again and again. His tongue is swollen, and throat still very painful, but he manages to get liquid supplements down. Anything by mouth takes a major effort, but his mind is clear, and while he is sleepy from the meds, he "gets" it... and does what he has to do to get better. Every day is a day closer to recovery.

This afternoon they are moving him back to the BMT unit, to a regular room. They said room 1124. I think it has a south facing window ...more sun!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Brian had his surgery this afternoon- evening. It was about 4 hours from the time they took him in. Everything went well, I am relieved and happy to report. They were able to remove the infected lobe laparoscopically so that will make it a little easier recovery-wise, though it will be painful. Brian went in positive and ready to get it done and move on. Whatever his obstacles are, he is ready to take them on. He has demonstrated the heart and soul of a champion. I am amazed by his inner strength in the face of so much adversity.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

One of the surgeons just came in...it's 5 p.m., surgery postponed again. They had such a busy day, it couldn't be done until. 8 pm, and they felt like that would be too risky after a long day. I agree, and I just am thankful, still hoping that by divine intervention, this either won't have to happen, or at least not until everything is just right for it to go smoothly.

Yesterday's surgery was postponed after waiting for six hours, which actually worked out better because Robert, Brian's oldest brother, just happened to have a layover at Denver Int'l. Airport, which also had problems with flights being cancelled, so he ended up having to spend the night in Denver, not 10 minutes away, so Brian and I got to visit with him late last night. Haha That's a long sentence. If he had had the surgery, he wouldn't have felt like much of a visit, so it worked out better.

So today, fortunately or unfortunately, is the surgery at 4 pm. Yeah, I'm dreading it. Thank you for all your prayers. This is a risky surgery, especially considering Brian's immune system, but the risk is worse they say to leave the infection. Hard to take. I feel like he'll be all right, but I'll be praying. I wish he didn't have to go through so much. He s willing to do whatever it takes to get well. Hoping for the best...will keep you posted.

On a happier note, we had Brian's brother, Tim and sister, Charlotte visit us last weekend. It was great having them and they were wonderful support. On Sunday morning, we had a surprise visit from the men of the Horrocks family- Ron & sons, and grandson, Carter. When I woke Brian up to tell him he had company, he saw Carter and smiled...so happy to see his little friend. It was good to see them all and their smiling familiar faces!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Today Brian must undergo surgery to remove an infection that is not going away with any of the medicines they've been pumping into him. We wished we could avoid it, but even though there are risks involved, it is a worse risk going another three weeks with this infection which could spread throughout his body if not stopped, keeping in mind that his immune system is down due to chemo therapy and leukemia.They are removing the upper lobe of his right lung. We were hoping and praying to avoid this, but given all the risk, just have to go there. It is expected that the other two lobes will take over the space and he will live a normal life, maybe not do the marathon. They are also going to clean up the infection in his throat. Brian says it will be all right, and is keeping a good attitude. He'll be at least a night in the ICU. It will be painful. Just gotta take this one day at a time, I don't like writing bad news on the blog or sharing it period. But I know you want to know, so I decided to post this. I hope to have a good report in a couple of days.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Brian's oncologist/hematologist, Dr. Smith, came in this morning around 7am thinking that Brian should not have the tongue/throat surgery, and we were on the same page having realized that the reason for much of the inflammation in his throat over the past month+ was the hydroxyurea, a low dose chemo drug that he was on to suppress white cells (mostly all cancerous), We realized also that the times the swelling and pain in the throat subsided were when this medicine was cut back or temporarily stopped. We had thought it was other things that may have caused the improvement, but late yesterday were able to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Now they say he may not have to have the surgery at all, and that the fungus they thought it looked like following the biopsy a couple days ago may not be what it is exactly, though they are treating with anti-fungal drugs. We feel a huge relief, all of your prayers and ours have been answered again!

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Brian is currently being treated at University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colorado (Denver). After all we have tried, the dreaded transplant is the only reasonable choice left given his present condition. The past month has been extremely hard on him, and we are lucky and blessed that he pulled through the infections he had, one from his central line and the other a relapse of sorts from an infection he had in the hospital in July. Having a suppressed immune system finally caught up with him. He spent over a week in the ICU in Atlanta and been inpatient ever since, except for the transfer here. Yes, it is crazy. But we fell into the hands of some outstanding doctors, and feel that Heavenly Father has opened our eyes, and opened doors, and we pray that He will continue to bless and guide Brian through this experience.

Over the last month he has also developed a fungal infection in his throat or back of the tongue which will require surgery tomorrow morning. We thought it was the return of mucositis, but it isn't. It has been and will be rugged to go through, but it could have been worse. After the surgery, they will begin chemotherapy which hopefully will be effective in bringing the AML into remission. It is expected that he will be a month in the hospital, have a break for a week or so, then return for the transplant, another month inpatient, and if all goes well, have another 2 - 3 months receiving outpatient care here. Just pray that he can have all the strength he needs to fight the fight of his life.

(He is in the white building,11th floor on the back, windows look to the north.)

Brian up and decided to do some squats today, monitor wires tucked in and IV lines dangling.

I think it freaked the nurse a little when the heart rate shot up.

He misses everybody so much. We hear about so many of you still praying for Brian. Thank you so much for your continued prayers for Brian!!!

He has a cousin, Johnny Graham, same age, who lives in the area who helped us when we arrived Monday night and has lifted Brian's spirits so much! Here Brian has escaped the hospital bed and is relaxing while Johnny looks up a good movie to watch on Tuesday. The address for Brian is below the picture.

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December 8, 2013

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Play time, finally. Sept. 19,2013

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Brian at Coral Pink Sand Dunes September 2013, getting ready for fun.

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20th Birthday

Our sincere thanks go to the Lemmon Team (ERA Brokers Consolidated): Jim, Rand, Nancy & Ryan for generously putting together the super movie fundraiser, Skyfall, and to the many who supported it on November 10th to help pay for medical expenses!

St. George Events presented Brian with a large check from a dance held in Washington City in October. Thank you Abraham Thiombiano and friends!

Jannica Johnson, 9 years old from Toquerville, came up with the idea to have a bake sale to help with Brian's medical costs. So she did it last Saturday! Pictured here are (L-R): Jannica, Raelee and Bryce Johnson, her sister and brother. Ryan and Laycee Johnson are their parents. The bake sale was a success! Thank you, Jannica!!

This is a sign that the football team held up during the dance concert for Brian.

New look.

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. ~Winston Churchill